Auction for my fundraiser for Smile for ME

As you will know if you read my blog, I'm fundraising for the charity Smile for ME and here is my previous post with all the details.

I decided I wanted to also hold a little auction to try and raise some extra money for them, so I contacted some of my favourite businesses and I have very kindly had some brilliant prizes donated.

I will be holding the auction on my Facebook page which will start at 9am on Saturday 14th May and will end at 9pm on Sunday 15th May 2016. Bids will be accepted at any time between those hours. I will contact the winner once the auction has ended and will arrange delivery of the items as some I am sending myself but others will be sent direct from the businesses. I will post Terms & Conditions at the bottom of this post.

The following is a description of the items with a link to the lovely places who have donated them. 

1) Sausage dog print scarf from Lisa Angel.

A large ladies' lightweight fashion scarf with a repeated dachshund dog design. It is black & white print over a salmon pink background and made from 100% polyester.

2) Acrylic pins and necklace from Punkypins

You are Magical, Be Yourself and Feminist acrylic pins plus red Where Fourheart Thou necklace.

3) Voucher from Crown and Glory

This is a very special voucher as whatever the winning bid, Crown and Glory will double up on the value of it. So for example, if the winning bid is £50 the prize will be a £100 voucher! There is a whole load of stuff to choose from on the website so have a browse and I'm sure you'll see lots you like. Crown and Glory will send the voucher to the winning bidder. I have selected a few pictures from their website as examples of some of what you can buy from them.

4) Unicorn Magnet from AnnieANDBlanche

A handmade rainbow felt unicorn magnet lovingly made especially for the auction, complete with sparkly unicorn horn. It has been made using soft wool felt and embroidery thread.

5) Personalised mug from Jilly Jilly

A ceramic mug from the new Mix and Match collection which has just been launched. The winner can choose which design and name to be on the mug. You can see some of the other options here. Jilly Jilly will be sending the mug direct to the winning bidder (their packaging is beautiful!).

I have my own mug from the new range and it's really gorgeous.

6) Box of goodies from Lucky Dip Club.
Some of you may know I subscribe to Lucky Dip Club which is a monthly box of goodies. They collaborate with various artists & illustrators and there is a mix of stuff in the box that you will be bidding on.

A copy of Girl Planet which is a zine they publish each month, Mel Stringer I Donut Care print and patch, Good Morning print by Belsartworld, mini cards by Emma Margaret Illustration, Girls glitter banner by All Her Glory designs, strawbunny pin by Ponypeople, Lucky Dip Club Girl Gang pins, mini motivational pocket cards, BFF keyring kit by Samantha Eynon, mermaid notebook, Lucky Dip Club weekly planner. Wowzers!

A closer look at what's there!

I really hope you see some items you like and hopefully will see you at the auction over the weekend!

The Terms & Conditions are below. The ones for Crown & Glory and Jilly Jilly (at the bottom) are slightly different due to them sending to the winning bidder direct but the bidding process is the same for all.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS -  Princess Ali's auction for Smile for ME

Auctioneer: Alison West
Vendors: Lisa Angel, Punky Pins, Annie and Blanche and Lucky Dip Club
In aid of: Smile for ME

1. BIDDING
The auction will take place on https://facebook.com/beingamummywithME/
Photos of the items for auction prior to the opening of the bidding with full description will be available on beingamummywithme.blogspot.com. Bids may be placed by commenting your bid amount on the photo of the item you would like. A post with photographs of all items up for auction will go live at 9am on Saturday May 14th. Bids will be accepted at any time from 9am on Saturday 14th May until 9pm on Sunday 15th May.

2. POSTAGE CHARGES
No charge for postage or delivery of items will be made to the purchaser. The auctioneer is expected to bear the cost of onward postage direct to the successful purchaser. Due to this, UK bidders only please.

3. PAYMENT
Alison, as auctioneer, will contact the successful purchasers on Sunday 15th May, once the bidding has closed at 9pm. They will be advised the total amount to be paid. Payment may be made through BT mydonate page set up for Smile for ME. Please note payment through PayPal is not available for BT mydonate, payments are through credit or debit card only. A link to the page will be provided. Please note gift aid cannot be claimed on these payments.

4. STORAGE OF LOTS
The items for sale will remain with the auctioneer until sold.

5. VIEWING OF LOTS FOR SALE
There will be no physical viewing of items for sale. Bidders must rely solely on the description of items and photographs given by the seller/auctioneer. A catalogue of the items for auction will be available on beingamummywithme.blogspot.com. The auctioneer does however undertake to forward any purchasers’ queries to the vendors, if there is any uncertainly about what is on offer.

6. DELIVERY OF LOTS
 All Lots to be sold will be delivered direct from the auctioneer within 10 working days of receipt of payment. The auctioneer will bear the cost of postage or delivery (unless otherwise stated) and will undertake to ensure that the item is secured packaged to avoid damage in transit.  

TERMS AND CONDITIONS -  Princess Ali's auction for Smile for ME

Auctioneer: Alison West
Vendors: Crown and Glory and Jilly Jilly
In aid of: Smile for ME

1. BIDDING
The auction will take place on https://facebook.com/beingamummywithME/
Photos of the items for auction prior to the opening of the bidding with full description will be available on beingamummywithme.blogspot.com. Bids may be placed by commenting your bid amount on the photo of the item you would like. A post with photographs of all items up for auction will go live at 9am on Saturday May 14th. Bids will be accepted at any time from 9am on Saturday 14th May until 9pm on Sunday 15th May.

2. POSTAGE CHARGES
No charge for postage or delivery of items will be made to the purchaser. The vendor is expected to bear the cost of onward postage direct to the successful purchaser. UK only bidders please.

3. PAYMENT
Ali, as auctioneer will contact the successful purchasers on Sunday 15th May, once the bidding has closed at 9pm. They will be advised of the total amount to be paid. Payment may be made through BT mydonate page set up for Smile for ME. Please note payment through PayPal is not available for BT mydonate, payments are through credit or debit card only. A link to the page will be provided. Please note gift aid cannot be claimed on these payments.

4. STORAGE OF LOTS
The items for sale will remain with the vendor until sold.

5. VIEWING OF LOTS FOR SALE
There will be no physical viewing of items for sale. Bidders must rely solely on the description of items and photographs given by the vendor/ auctioneer. A catalogue of the items available for auction will be able to view at beingamummywithme.blogspot.com. The auctioneer does however undertake to forward any purchasers’ queries to the sellers, if there is any uncertainly about what is on offer.

6. DELIVERY OF LOTS
The auctioneer will notify the vendor of the details of the successful purchasers once payment has been received. All Lots to be sold will be delivered direct from the vendor within 10 working days of receipt of payment. The vendor will bear the cost of postage or delivery (unless otherwise stated) and will undertake to ensure that the item is secured packaged to avoid damage in transit.

7. CONFIRMATION OF OWNERSHIP
The vendor warrants to the Auctioneers and to the Purchaser:-
a. That she is the true owner of the Lot or is properly authorised to sell the Lot by the true owner.
b. Is able to transfer a good and marketable title to the lot free from any third party claims liens and encumbrances and that all entries on the entry form are correct.
c. That no lot is subject to any hire purchase, lease, contract hire agreement or any other finance agreement or contract.

Thank you for your support. Feel free to ask any questions in the comments.

Ali (aka Princess!)
xx

38 things about me for my 38th birthday!

Yes it really is true, I am turning 38 at the beginning of May. However much I try to deny it, it is happening. Booo!

People who don't know my age usually guess at late 20's and that will do me just fine! I certainly don't feel (or act!!) my age. I did a previous blog post where I mentioned it here.

So as it's nearly my 38th birthday I thought why not tell you 38 random things about me which you may or may not already know. In no particular order let's go.....

1. I was a lawyer before M.E struck and I had to stop working

2. I have 2 middle names

3. Hardly anyone calls me by my full name and I usually get Ali or Al. Or Sparkle!

4. I used to be really really shy when I was little and people never believe me when I tell them

5. Peanut butter with jam is one of my favourite things to have on toast

6. I prefer savoury to sweet food

7. When I was little my sister pushed me into a lake and I had to walk round the rest of the place in just a Fat Willys Surf Shack t-shirt because my jeans were soaked. I  have never forgiven her

8. I love marmite

9. Glitter makes me smile lots (like you didn't already know that!)

10. I don't like boats or bridges

11. I love the sun and would like to live abroad

12. People always think I am Spanish or Italian, especially when I have a tan

13. I used to bite my nails really badly and only grew them when I was about 24

14. The sound of rain relaxes me

15. The sound of cutlery scraping on a plate makes me cringe

16. Having no fringe doesn't suit me!

17. I was a huge New Kids on the Block fan and went to 3 of their concerts. My mum came to one once and was the only one who wasn't screaming! It was at an ice rink too so was freezing. Sorry mum!

18. I had my tonsils out when I was 21

19. I don't think there is any such thing as having too much jewellery

20. Keith Lemon is my idol (not really but I'm a huge fan as you probably know already). I was lucky enough to meet him privately before one of his book signings due to not being able to queue for long because of my health. We chatted about glittery jackets and took a selfie!

21. I hate spiders

22. I have to use a wheelchair because of my M.E but I blinged it up and it looks super cool

23. One of my favourite sounds is my little girl's laugh

24. I was meant to be in a TV advert when I was about 5 but I was the only child who wouldn't stop crying so they had to pull me out

25. I did some modelling for a series of childrens' books about ballet called Scrambled Legs. I was mortified about having to wear a leotard

26. I didn't get another job after the leotard one!!

27. People who make me laugh are my favourite kind

28. I love my friends and family to bits and would be a bit lost without them

29. It makes me sad not being able to do lots of things because of my health but I'm doing well at looking at the positive rather than the negative

30. Acting silly with my daughter makes me happy. She says she likes that I'm not a boring mummy!

31. Cheese and onion Walkers crisps are my absolute favourite flavour

32. I prefer drinking from plastic cups (adorned with unicorns and such things) rather than drinking from glasses

33. I sometimes daydream about going on an American roadtrip on an old blue vintage scooter

34. I always have really vivid dreams and I sleeptalk

35. I love watching people do streetdance.

36. I'm short sighted and have astigmatism so everything is a bit blurry without my glasses

37. I love doing random acts of kindness.

38. I am fundraising for a charity called Smile for ME as part of my annual M.E fundraiser and you can donate via this link (cheeky plug!). If you fancy buying me a virtual drink for my birthday you could donate a few pounds instead and I'd be mega grateful. My previous blog post has all the information.

Thank you for making it to the end :-) Hope you enjoyed it and if anyone wants to send me glitter covered cheese and onion Walkers I'd be ever so happy!!

Ali
xx

Team Princess fundraiser 2016

The time has come again for us to become Princesses on M.E Awareness day! For those of you unfamiliar with what Team Princess is, we are a group of sufferers who become Princesses for a day to raise awareness and money for M.E charities.  We have raised over £10,000 so far for UK & Australian charities and have funded research and drug trials as well as supporting various services the charities have to offer people.

Me and my mini Princess last year 

Our founder and official Queenie Sian, who blogs over at Me, myself and M.E came up with the idea a few years ago. She wanted to raise awareness as well as fundraise but she also wanted to celebrate some of the people who display different qualities which in her eyes make them true Princesses. Being brave, strong and having courage to name a few. For being there for each other despite all suffering. Spoonie sisters we like to refer to it as.

Sian has written a very informative blog post with all the information and details of how to join Team Princess which you can find here.

This year, despite my illness and all it brings, I decided I wanted to try to be more positive. I have surprised myself with how I've managed and every night I have written something good from the day in a diary. It has made me realise that even on the worst days, for whatever reason, there is still always something good no matter how small. Which kind of leads me into the charity I have chosen to support this year...

Those of you who know me will know how much I love a Random Act of Kindness (RAOK)! I really enjoy sending people things and knowing it has made them smile is the nicest feeling.

So, I am excited to announce that the charity I am hoping to raise lots of money for is Smile for ME. It is a fantastic charity run by two lovely ladies, Alice and Gracey, who are both poorly themselves. They send personalised presents to sufferers or carers who have been nominated by someone for a smile. I have nominated friends through them previously and all I'll say is that it was emotional when they received their parcels!

M.E can be a very isolating and debilitating illness so to receive something lovely and unexpected can make a huge difference and give you a massive boost. I would love to be able to raise enough money to send lots and lots of Smile packages! If you wanted to nominate someone you can complete the nomination form.

Of course on May 12th I will be dressing as a Princess so will be sharing photos and information on my social media. However if you want to donate now, my fundraising page is HERE!

I have a Facebook page for my blog here which if you follow you will be able to keep up to date with stuff. I will also be holding an auction on or around the day and have some fab prizes which have kindly been donated by some of my favourite independent businesses. I will provide details shortly! The Team Princess Facebook page will have lots of information about the event so please give us a like to be kept in the loop. The team JustGiving page is here.

I have had a lot of amazing support in the previous two years so I am really excited about this one! Thank you in advance for donating and supporting me. This illness is really difficult to live with so if I can help make fellow sufferers smile then I'll be happy.

For more information about what M.E is and how it affects me, please see some of my previous posts What is M.E?, Diagnosis & remembering life before M.E, (In)visible, A day in the life of ME!

Thank you for getting to the end as I know it's a long one!

Ali
xx

Crown and Glory Glitterati unboxing April 2016

The latest installment of the Crown and Glory  Glitterati box was an extremely fun and colourful circus themed box. I really don't know how Sophie and Gareth come up with so many unique ideas each month!

The contents of the box (adorned with confetti because who doesn't love the stuff) were..

Polka dot bow headband

RRP  £15

Stripe wired headband 

RRP £15

Carousel horse hair clip

RRP  £10

Glitter lolly hairclip 

RRP  £5

Popcorn bobby pin pair 

RRP  £5

So much cute stuff and I'm currently using the carousel horse (which I see as a unicorn!) as decor on my wall. I sometimes do that with my Crown & Glory stuff as it's too nice to not be on show!

I also got a mention in the zine (thanks Sophie) for my annual fundraiser for M.E Awareness day on 12th May. I'm currently working on a post with all the information so watch this space..

Ali 
xx